Mechanical Failure Considered in Parade Crash

March 19, 2004 at 1:48 PM EST - Updated June 26 at 7:59 PM

We have more on the investigation into the crash that injured eight people during the St. Patrick's Day parade. They're trying to find out whether the 1996 Chrysler Sebring crashed into the crowd as a result of mechanical or driver error. WTOC has found out DaimlerChrysler recalled 88,000 Sebring convertibles from 1996 and 1997 for problems with the throttle sticking.

Whether that was the cause of the St. Patrick's Day accident only the investigation will reveal. "Some indicators are saying it's mechanical, but witnesses are saying something else," said Lt. Scott Simpkins of the Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police Department. "We need to reinterview witnesses."

No charges have been filed against the car's driver, 62-year-old John Sheppard. Sheppard was not injured in the accident and he is cooperating with police. Police say alcohol was not a factor in the crash.